William Shakespeare - 76 - Measure for Measure - Gielgud & Richardson 1961 torrent

“But man, proud man,
Dress'd in a little brief authority,
Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd—
His glassy essence—like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens,
Would all themselves laugh mortal.”


Measure for Measure centres around the fate of Claudio, who is arrested by Lord Angelo,
the temporary leader of Vienna. Angelo is left in charge by the Duke, who pretends to
depart Vienna but instead dresses as a friar to observe the goings-on in his absence. The
play deals with issues of mercy, justice, and truth and their relationship to pride and
humility: "Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall".

The Caedmon recording of 1961. Not only does the acting have authority but this is a very fine production overall. Kindly seed.

Ralph Richardson- Vincentio, Duke of Vienna
John Gielgud- Angelo
Margaret Leighton- Isabella
Anthony White- Claudio
Mark Dignam- Escalus
Alec McCowen- Lucio
Alexis Kanner- Gentleman
Alexis Kanner- Froth
Brian Murray- Friar Peter
Christopher Burgess- Provost
Hazel Hughes- Mistress Overdone
Lee Montague- Pompey
Miranda Connell- Juliet
Renee Asherson- Francesca, a nun
Renee Asherson- Mariana
Ronnie Barker- Barnardine
Ronnie Barker- Elbow
William Marlowe-- Friar Thomas
William Marlowe Abhorson
William Shakespeare - 66 - Measure for Measure - Simon Russell Beale